MOUTH CLEANING DEVICE, SYSTEM PROVIDED THEREWITH AND METHOD THEREFOR
The present invention relates to a mouth cleaning device using incoming fluid, a mouth cleaning system comprising such device and a method for using the mouth cleaning device. The mouth cleaning device comprises: a housing extending in a longitudinal direction comprising: an incoming fluid inlet; an outgoing fluid outlet; a cleaning head with an incoming fluid outlet and an outgoing fluid inlet; and a cleaning head connector configured for connecting the cleaning head to the housing, and the cleaning head connector comprising an incoming fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the incoming fluid inlet and incoming fluid outlet, and an outgoing fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the outgoing fluid inlet and outgoing fluid outlet, wherein the cleaning head connector comprises an incoming fluid connection and an outgoing fluid connection that are provided at a connection distance in the longitudinal direction of the housing.
The present invention relates to a mouth cleaning device, such as a periodontal cleaning device. The mouth cleaning device is a handheld device for cleaning for example gum. The invention further relates to a mouth cleaning system and method for using the mouth cleaning device.
Mouth cleaning devices are known from the state of the art. One embodiment of a mouth cleaning device is disclosed in WO2016/198632. Disclosed is a mouth cleaning device comprising a fluid feed line for providing cleaning fluid, a suction line for outgoing fluid, and a cleaning head. The cleaning fluid is provided to the cleaning head and released through the fluid outlet in the mouth of the patient, while through the suction outlet of the cleaning head the outgoing fluid is removing the outgoing fluid from the mouth of the patient.
The known mouth cleaning device has several disadvantages. One disadvantage is that inside the mouth cleaning device the cleaning fluid and the outgoing fluid have the risk of being mixed which may contaminate the cleaning fluid. In addition, this lowers the effectiveness of the mouth cleaning device.
The objective of the present invention is to provide a mouth cleaning device that obviates or at least reduces one or more of the above stated problems. In particular an object of the present invention is to provide a mouth cleaning device wherein mixing of the incoming fluid, such as cleaning fluid or saliva-stimulating fluid, and outgoing fluid, such as waste fluid, is prevented.
This is achieved with a mouth cleaning device, wherein the mouth cleaning device comprises:
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- a housing extending in a longitudinal direction comprising:
- a housing incoming fluid inlet;
- a housing outgoing fluid outlet;
- a cleaning head with a head incoming fluid outlet and a head outgoing fluid inlet; and
- a cleaning head connector configured for connecting the cleaning head to the housing, and the cleaning head connector comprising a incoming fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the housing incoming fluid inlet and head incoming fluid outlet, and a outgoing fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the head outgoing fluid inlet and the housing outgoing fluid outlet,
- wherein the cleaning head connector comprises an incoming fluid connection and a outgoing fluid connection that are provided at a connection distance in the longitudinal direction of the housing.
- a housing extending in a longitudinal direction comprising:
The mouth cleaning device is for example a periodontal cleaning device. Experiments have shown that the present invention particularly has advantageous effects when applied on a periodontal cleaning device.
By providing an incoming fluid connection and a outgoing fluid connection provided at a connection distance in the longitudinal direction the chance of mixing or leaking of the incoming fluid and the outgoing fluid is reduced. The connection distance establishes that the chance of leaking from the incoming fluid connection to the outgoing fluid connection is reduced, because two separate circuits, one for the incoming fluid and one for the outgoing fluid, are established. Only in the mouth of the patient, at the tip of the cleaning head, the incoming fluid and the outgoing fluid are (virtually in contact with each other. Next to this, if a leaking would occur at the incoming fluid connection or the outgoing fluid connection, the outgoing fluid has the overcome a larger distance to come into the incoming fluid. This significantly reduces the risk of any contamination of the incoming fluid. Furthermore, the connection distance provides the ability for a tighter and more stable connection between the housing and the cleaning head connector. Additionally, providing a connection distance reduces the chance of contamination of the incoming fluid and the outgoing fluids during cleaning. The connection distance also provides that the contact surfaces between the housing and the cleaning head connector is larger, thereby reducing the chance of leakage between the housing and the cleaning head connector. It is noted that fluid relates to liquids, such as cleaning liquid, and/or to gases. Optionally, liquid(s) and gas(es) are used in a multiple inlet/outlet cleaning device.
Providing a housing extending in a longitudinal direction provides a handheld device that is easy to grab with one hand. By comprising a housing incoming fluid inlet and a housing outgoing fluid outlet, the mouth cleaning device provides the ability for the mouth cleaning device to be connected to a mouth cleaning system comprising a incoming fluid reservoir and a outgoing fluid reservoir. The incoming fluid can be supplied from the incoming fluid reservoir to the housing incoming fluid inlet, while the outgoing fluid reservoir can be supplied from the housing outgoing fluid outlet to the outgoing fluid reservoir.
Providing a cleaning head with a head incoming fluid outlet and a head outgoing fluid inlet gives the mouth cleaning device the ability to supply incoming fluid to the mouth of the patient through the head incoming fluid outlet, while also removing outgoing fluid from the mouth of the patient through the head outgoing fluid inlet, preferably by sucking the outgoing fluid through the head outgoing fluid inlet. Preferably, the head incoming fluid outlet and the head outgoing fluid inlet are provided at or adjacent the tip of the cleaning head.
Providing a cleaning head connector provides a way to connect the cleaning head with the housing. By placing the connector between the cleaning head and the housing, a incoming fluid channel is created for operatively connecting the incoming fluid inlet and the incoming fluid outlet, and a outgoing fluid channel is created for operatively connecting the outgoing fluid inlet and the outgoing fluid outlet.
The cleaning head connector further comprises a connector incoming fluid inlet, a connector incoming fluid outlet, a connector outgoing fluid inlet and a connector outgoing fluid outlet. The incoming fluid channel stretches out/extends between the connector incoming fluid inlet and connector incoming fluid outlet, and the outgoing fluid channel stretches out/extends between the connector outgoing fluid inlet and the connector outgoing fluid outlet.
The housing further comprises housing incoming fluid outlet, a housing outgoing fluid inlet, a housing incoming fluid conduit extending from the housing incoming fluid inlet to the housing incoming fluid outlet, and a housing outgoing fluid conduit extending from the housing outgoing fluid inlet to the housing outgoing fluid outlet.
The cleaning head further comprises a head incoming fluid inlet, a head outgoing fluid outlet, a head incoming fluid conduit extending from the head incoming fluid inlet to the head incoming fluid outlet, and a head outgoing fluid conduit extending from the head outgoing fluid inlet to the head outgoing fluid outlet. In one embodiment the mouth cleaning device comprises more than one head incoming fluid conduits, for example two head incoming fluid conduits.
The incoming fluid connection is the (operative) connection between the housing incoming fluid outlet and the head incoming fluid inlet. The outgoing fluid connection is the (operative) connection between the head outgoing fluid outlet and the housing outgoing fluid inlet.
In an embodiment according to the invention the length of the housing incoming fluid conduit is larger as compared to the length of the housing outgoing fluid conduit in the longitudinal direction. This enables an effective provision of a connections distance between the incoming fluid and outgoing fluid connections.
Preferably, the housing, the cleaning head and the cleaning head connector are all removably attached to each other. More preferably, the cleaning head connector has on its outside an edge whereon the cleaning head can be clicked. Alternatively, the cleaning head connector comprises a threaded surface on its outside whereon the cleaning head may be screwed. Thus in practice the cleaning head connector is removably attached to the housing, while the cleaning head is removably attached to the cleaning head connector.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the mouth cleaning device comprises a filter.
By providing a filter reduces the chance of the mouth cleaning device being clogged. The filter is preferably placed in the suction line for the filtering of the outgoing fluid. During use, outgoing fluid will contain larger solid parts of for example dental plaque. This may clog the outgoing fluid conduit or the pump for pumping the incoming fluid and sucking the outgoing fluid. The advantage of the filter is that the larger solid parts will be filtered out.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the filter is provided in or attached to the cleaning head connector.
By providing the filter in or attached to the cleaning head connector the filter is easily removable. This is due to the fact that the housing, the cleaning head and the cleaning head connector are all removably attached to each other. In one embodiment, removing the cleaning head from the cleaning head connector is sufficient for removing or changing the filter. This enables efficient replacing of the filter. In another embodiment, one also needs to remove the cleaning head connector for removing or changing the filter.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the connection between the housing and the cleaning head connector comprises a housing contact surface in contact with a connector contact surface.
The contact surfaces of the housing and the cleaning head connector are the surfaces which are in contact when the cleaning head connector is connected with the housing. Preferably, the contact surface of the housing is a male part of the coupling between the housing and the cleaning head connector and the contact surface of the cleaning head connector is a female part of the coupling between the housing and the cleaning head connector. Preferably, the housing has two contacting surfaces, both of a male part of the coupling between the housing and the cleaning head connector. Alternatively, the contact surface(s) of the housing is (are) female parts, while the contact surface(s) of the cleaning head connector is (are) male parts. In one embodiment the male parts are placed on top of each other. Providing contacting surfaces which are embodied as male and female parts gives the connection between the housing and the cleaning head connector a more stable and more liquid-tight connection.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the incoming fluid connection of the cleaning head connector comprises a Luer lock coupling.
Providing a Luer lock coupling at the incoming fluid connection gives the incoming fluid connection a highly reliable leak-free connection. Because of the specific male coupling with the female coupling the chance of leaking of the fluid connection is highly reduced. This in turn reduces the chance of mixing between incoming fluid and outgoing fluid. Preferably, the male connection is the housing incoming fluid outlet, while the female connection is the connector incoming fluid inlet.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the outgoing fluid connection of the cleaning head connector comprises a Luer lock coupling.
Providing a Luer lock coupling at the outgoing fluid connection gives the outgoing fluid connection a leak-free connection. This further reduces the chances of leakage, and thus of mixing between the incoming fluid and the outgoing fluid.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the connection between the head incoming fluid inlet and the connector incoming fluid outlet comprises a Luer lock coupling.
In a presently preferred embodiment the relevant connections in the device each comprise a Luer lock coupling. This provides a substantially leak-free device that is relatively easy to assemble/disassemble.
In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention the cleaning head connector comprises a closing ring that is configured to provide sufficient force for the Luer lock coupling or couplings in an operative state of the device.
The closing ring is removably attached to the housing and the cleaning head connector. By placing a closing ring the cleaning head connector is pressed harder against the housing, which provides a more steady incoming fluid and outgoing fluid connection. The closing is preferably attached to both the housing and the cleaning head connector with a threaded connection. As a further effect, the closing ring achieves robust fluid connection that further minimizes the risk of incorrect coupling individual parts of the device.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the head incoming fluid conduit is a disposable conduit.
By providing the incoming fluid conduit as a disposable conduit one achieves an easy way to clean or replace the incoming fluid conduit of the mouth cleaning. When detaching the cleaning head from the cleaning head connector, one is able to remove the head incoming fluid conduit. After removal the cleaning head incoming fluid conduit can be cleaned, or replaced by another head incoming fluid conduit. In use the head incoming fluid inlet is attached to the connector incoming fluid outlet.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the head outgoing fluid conduit substantially surrounds the head incoming fluid conduit.
By providing the head outgoing fluid conduit substantially surrounding the head incoming fluid conduit the head outgoing fluid conduit is positioned at the outside of the cleaning head. This gives extra security to the head incoming fluid conduit. Furthermore, providing the head outgoing fluid conduit substantially surrounding the head incoming fluid conduit has the advantage that, if there would be damage at the outside of the cleaning head, only the head outgoing fluid conduit would be affected and the head incoming fluid conduit would be intact.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the head outgoing fluid conduit is at least partially transparent.
By providing the head outgoing fluid conduit at least partially transparent, one is able to see through the walls of the head outgoing fluid conduit. One advantage hereof is that the outgoing fluid going through the head outgoing fluid conduit can be visually inspected during use of the mouth cleaning device.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the mouth cleaning device further comprises a controller configured for controlling the flow or flows through the device.
By providing a controller the flow rate of the incoming fluid and outgoing fluid can be controlled. This flow rate can be adjusted for example on the amount of dental plaque in the patient's mouth, or on the visual inspection done on the head outgoing fluid conduit. This ensures a correct functioning of the mouth cleaning device, as too little or too much cleaning and/or outgoing fluid in the mouth of the patient will reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning and/or the negatively impact the experience of the patient during cleaning. Optionally, one or more sensors can be provided that provide the controller with information about the condition(s) of the outgoing fluid, for example. This improves the efficiency of the cleaning operation.
The invention further relates to a mouth cleaning system, wherein the mouth cleaning system comprises:
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- a mouth cleaning device according to the present invention; and
- a base station configured for receiving the mouth cleaning device.
The mouth cleaning system has the same effects and advantages as described for the mouth cleaning device.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the mouth cleaning system further comprises a incoming fluid reservoir and a outgoing fluid reservoir.
Providing a incoming fluid reservoir has the advantage that a large amount of incoming fluid can be supplied to the mouth cleaning device, such that multiple cleaning operations can be performed. Providing a outgoing fluid reservoir obtains an easy way to save the outgoing fluid during use. This also allows for an inspection of the outgoing fluid. Furthermore, this enables a stand-alone system.
In a further embodiment according to the invention the mouth cleaning system further comprises a sensor, preferably a temperature sensor, a contamination level sensor, and/or a flow rate sensor.
Providing one of the sensors gives the user extra information about performance of the mouth cleaning device during use. This has the advantage that the use of the mouth cleaning device can be adjusted, for example the flow rates of the cleaning and/or outgoing fluid, thereby obtaining a more efficient performance of the mouth cleaning device.
The invention further relates to a method for operating a mouth cleaning device according to any of the foregoing claims, the method comprising the steps of:
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- providing a mouth cleaning device according to the present invention; and
- operating the mouth cleaning device.
The method for operating the mouth cleaning device has the same effects and advantages as described for the mouth cleaning device and/or system.
Advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
An example of mouth cleaning device 2 (see
Side views of mouth cleaning device 2 (
Mouth cleaning device 2 further comprises closing ring 32, which is shown in more detail in
Cleaning head 12 (
In the illustrated embodiment cleaning head connector 14 (
Mouth cleaning system 100 (
In use, incoming fluid in mouth cleaning system 2 flows from incoming fluid reservoir 102 subsequently through housing incoming fluid inlet 6, housing incoming fluid conduit 68, housing incoming fluid outlet 66, connector incoming fluid inlet 60, incoming fluid channel 20, connector incoming fluid outlet 62, head incoming fluid inlet 76, head incoming fluid conduit 34 and head incoming fluid outlet 16 into a persons mouth. The outgoing fluid subsequently flows from head outgoing fluid inlet 18a through head outgoing fluid conduit 36, head outgoing fluid outlet 84, connector outgoing fluid inlet 63, outgoing fluid channel 22, connector outgoing fluid outlet 64, housing outgoing fluid inlet 70, housing outgoing fluid conduit 74, housing outgoing fluid outlet 8 to outgoing fluid reservoir 104.
In an embodiment according to the invention mouth cleaning device 2 is used to perform a mouth cleaning action. A user of the device, the operator, starts cleaning a persons mouth by providing incoming fluid from the housing incoming fluid inlet 6 to head incoming fluid outlet 16. At the same time outgoing fluid from the persons mouth is sucked in via head outgoing fluid inlet 18a to housing outgoing fluid outlet 8. After the mouth cleaning action, the operator releases closing ring 32 by screwing it off to de-attach cleaning head 12 from housing 4 and subsequently changes the used head incoming fluid conduit 34 for a new one. This is made possible due to the fact that cleaning head 12 is de-attached from housing 4 and head incoming fluid conduit 34 can thus be removed from cleaning head connector 14. After insertion of new incoming fluid conduit 34, cleaning head 12 can be attached to housing 4 and closing ring can be screwed on for a tighter closing of cleaning head 12 on housing 4. Then mouth cleaning device 2 can be used by the operator for the next person.
Mouth cleaning device 2 can be advantageously applied as periodontal cleaning device. This preferably involves achieving the correct pressure and pulses by controller 38, and an appropriate cleaning head 12, for example.
The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, the mouth cleaning device could comprise two head incoming fluid conduits.
Claims
1. A mouth cleaning device comprising:
- a housing extending in a longitudinal direction comprising: a incoming fluid inlet; a outgoing fluid outlet;
- a cleaning head with an incoming fluid outlet and an outgoing fluid inlet; and a cleaning head connector configured for connecting the cleaning head to the housing, and the cleaning head connector comprising an incoming fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the incoming fluid inlet and incoming fluid outlet, and an outgoing fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the outgoing fluid inlet and outgoing fluid outlet,
- wherein the cleaning head connector comprises an incoming fluid connection and an outgoing fluid connection that are provided at a connection distance in the longitudinal direction of the housing.
2. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a filter.
3. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the filter is provided in or attached to the cleaning head connector.
4. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the housing and the cleaning head connector comprises a housing contact surface in contact with a connector contact surface.
5. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the incoming fluid connection of the cleaning head connector comprising a Luer lock coupling.
6. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein the outgoing fluid connection of the cleaning head connector comprising a Luer lock coupling.
7. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning head connector comprises a closing ring that is configured to provide sufficient force for the Luer lock coupling in an operative state of the device.
8. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein a head incoming fluid conduit is a disposable conduit.
9. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the outgoing fluid channel substantially surrounds the head incoming fluid conduit.
10. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the head outgoing fluid channel is at least partially transparent.
11. The mouth cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured for controlling the flow or flows through the device.
12. A mouth cleaning system comprising:
- a mouth cleaning device comprising: a housing extending in a longitudinal direction comprising: an incoming fluid inlet; and and outgoing fluid outlet; a cleaning head with an incoming fluid outlet and an outgoing fluid inlet; and a cleaning head connector configured for connecting the cleaning head to the housing, and the cleaning head connector comprising an incoming fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the incoming fluid inlet and incoming fluid outlet, and an outgoing fluid channel configured for operatively connecting the outgoing fluid inlet and outgoing fluid outlet, wherein the cleaning head connector comprises an incoming fluid connection and an outgoing fluid connection that are provided at a connection distance in the longitudinal direction of the housing; and a base station configured for receiving the mouth cleaning device.
13. The mouth cleaning system according to claim 12, further comprising an incoming fluid reservoir and an outcoming fluid reservoir.
14. The mouth cleaning system according to claim 12, further comprising a sensor, preferably a temperature sensor, a contamination level sensor, and/or a flow rate sensor.
15. The mouth cleaning system according to claim 13, wherein the mouth cleaning system comprises a periodontal cleaning system.
16. A method for operating a mouth cleaning device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:
- providing a mouth cleaning device; and
- operating the mouth cleaning device.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 5, 2020
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2022
Inventor: Sophie Antoinette Van Dijk (Amsterdam)
Application Number: 17/616,670